Bend Area hosting sendoff for athlete

MASON —Folks in the Bend Area are planning a sendoff for one of their own.

Kelsey Zuspan, a 2013 graduate of Wahama High School, is traveling to Ypsilanti, Mich. to run in the AAU National Junior Olympics. She, and her mom Sonia, leave for the games on Sunday, July 28.

At 7 p.m., Friday, July 26, friends and family of Kelsey are hosting a community tailgate party to show support for her at the Mason Levy.

Bernita Allen is helping to organize the party and stated anyone who would like to donate to support Kelsey’s trip should please come out to the tailgate party for free food and music. Monetary donations, food gift cards or gas gift cards will be greatly appreciated.

Kelsey qualified for the nationals by competing in the regionals in Canton, Ohio on June 29. She is a two time state track champion who has signed to attend and run track for West Virginia Wesleyan this fall. Kelsey is also a lifeguard at the New Haven Swimming Pool and was first runner-up, as well as Miss Congeniality, at last year’s Mason County Fair Queen Pageant.

The 2013 AAU Junior Olympics take place from July 24 - Aug. 3 and will include athletes from all over the country who will take their chance at bringing home a medal in their respective events.